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Transitory elevation of serum amylase levels after restorative proctocolectomy
Y Sakanoue1, M Kusunoki, Y Shoji
1Second Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
International Journal of Colorectal Disease
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Postoperative hyperamylasaemia is common after total colectomy but usually resolves without treatment. This elevation, often due to pancreatic isoenzymes, does not indicate pancreatitis and requires no intervention.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Postoperative hyperamylasaemia is a frequently observed phenomenon.
- Its clinical significance, particularly after proctocolectomy, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of postoperative hyperamylasaemia.
- To determine if this elevation is associated with pancreatitis or requires treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 70 patients undergoing staged restorative proctocolectomy.
- Serum amylase levels were monitored postoperatively.
- Isoenzyme analysis was performed in cases of significant elevation.
Main Results:
- Hyperamylasaemia occurred in 27/70 patients after total colectomy, normalizing by postoperative day 30.
- Elevated amylase was also noted after ileoanal anastomosis and stoma closure.
- Significant elevations ( >1000 IU) were predominantly pancreatic isoenzymes.
- No clinical pancreatitis was observed in any patient.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative hyperamylasaemia is common after total colectomy.
- Transient elevations do not necessarily indicate pancreatitis and typically do not require treatment.